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This page last updated: 08:11:45

11 Sep 2019 19:38:49
Dear Ed1,

Why on earth have Valencia sacked Marcelino? I thought he was doing a great job getting them back into the CL and also winning them they're first trophy in over a decade!

Or am I missing something here and it turns out I think he's better than he actually is?

{Ed001's Note - you are very welcome. They are mad in Valencia, they think they are the 3rd biggest club in Spain and should only ever finish behind Real Madrid and Barcelona at worst. Anything less than 3rd is seen as a disgrace.}

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11 Sep 2019 20:50:58
Well they've defiantly stunted their chances of breaking the top 3. Do they not remember how they were mid table before Marcelino?Taurus01

{Ed001's Note - teams don't think about that, look at Betis sacking Setien because they weren't in the Champions League when he was the reason they had a chance of getting in. Then there is Brighton who sack Hughton because they are struggling against the drop. They all think they are better than they are.}

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11 Sep 2019 20:56:39
Sad that it's all about instant success now. The best teams can be built over a long period. I really think keeping a good manager for a while goes a long way rather than constantly hiring and firing.

You only need to look at Watford who will probably eventually hire and fire their way to relegation.Taurus01

{Ed001's Note - I am amazed Watford have stayed up so long with the mess that is their recruitment.}

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11 Sep 2019 21:40:58
Indeed, perhaps Welbeck might been the final nail in the coffin though. well not that he's going to get many minutes given his injury record.Taurus01

{Ed002's Note - Juventus want to buy Icardi but don't really want to trade Dybala for him - as they have an offer on the table from elsewhere for Dybala. So far the offer of players plus cash from Juve has not been seen as attractive enough by Inter. Other sides are concerned about the baggage that comes Icardi and Atletico did spek with Juventus in MC yesterday to strike a deal involving a loan - but Inter will want an obligation to buy. Monaco offer an option for the player to go on loan without an obligation to buy and again they spoke with Inter yesterday - Inter need to decide if they want the grief again next summer.}

20 Aug 2019 18:41:43
Hi Ed001, were you at all surprised Atletico Madrid got Joao Felix? They're one of the top clubs in world football but Barcelona and Real seem to traditionally beat them to the punch.

Or was it simply a case of them being more willing to put the money forwards and gamble on the development.

{Ed001's Note - it was similar to the signing of Aguero, they were willing to take a chance when no one else was. It was more because Barca decided to go for the finished product in Griezmann and so give them the funds to commit to Felix. Big mistake by Barca as Felix looks almost as good as Griezmann already and will soon be better imo.}

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20 Aug 2019 20:44:02
Cheers Ed001, Atletico certainly know how to develop a striker. The Barcelona scouting team has been a mess in recent years, no idea what's going on over there.eamonsf

{Ed001's Note - they seem to have completely lost the plot. Though it must be said they have not really bought well since the Cruyff days, their sides were built mainly around players coming through the academy. Maybe they have always had a crap recruitment policy masked by the academy boys?}

27 Jul 2019 15:36:03
While it's in part down to last night's humiliation, their performance throughout last season is testament to it, what on earth has happened to Real Madrid?

If anything, it adds to Ronaldo's legacy in terms of how he covered the cracks. It's almost as if some players are regressing? For some of the older players like Modric that makes sense, but I'm confused by the younger ones. Maybe they were just overrated to begin with.

Joao Felix was a lot of fun last night, hope he continues in the same manner throughout the season. Seems the ideal partner for Costa or Morata (potentially both if he drops deeper?). A goal threat himself with fantastic vision and passing ability.

21 Jul 2019 07:00:26
After zidane comments last night where he basically said a deal was close to being agreed for the exit of bale I wondered if any of the Ed's knew where bale could be off to? Who are real looking to replace him with?

04 Jul 2019 15:34:44
I'm surprised Joao Felix went for as much as he did. I think he's a classy player but I didn't see very much to justify him being the fifth most expensive player of all time. Ed001, what do you make of him as well as the deal?

{Ed002's Note - Probably nobody now. Samuel Chukwueze (RW) a Villareal youngster in Spain under the Cotonou Agreement that drew attention of Arsenal again recently when they were scouting another player (Pablo Fornals). As a 16 year old he had trials at Arsenal after the Under 17 World Cup but it came to nothing. Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich have a declared interest in the player, as does Leicester City but they realised there would be a need to overpay on transfer fee or wages to ensure a Work Permit could be obtained so asked for a price - and stepped back at the €60M quoted.}

26 Jun 2019 09:19:39
Hi Ed, if you get a little min or two can you give a run down on what Juve's main plans will be for ins and out. ie Mandzukic, Khedira. De Ligt seems almost a certain, am I right? And buffon coming back too as a no 2? Then heading to management.

{Ed002's Note - The interest is down to Spurs alone at the moment in terms of discussions and bids and they are apart in price by €40M - so both parties will need to shift a bit if something is to happen. they are wanting €75M (where they are willing to come down to from the full $100M asking price). The interest is down to Spurs alone at the moment in terms of discussions and bids and they are apart in price by €40M - so both parties will need to shift a bit if something is to happen. Payment terms may also be an issue.}

18 Jun 2019 09:48:41
Ed002 do you know if anyone is still interested in signing Neymar or where he might end up should the talk of him moving come true?
Personally I'd avoid him like mega-radionuclides but I'm curious if anyone still fancies taking a punt on him despite all his baggage.

{Ed002's Note - Neymar (LW/F) Neymar wants to return to Barcelona but it will only possibly happen if the wage demands drop considerably, if Barcelona can raise the money or persuade PSG to accept Coutinho and/or Dembele and if Barcelona agree to drop their interest in another player who PSG are keen on. Additionally, Barcelona and Real Madrid are both looking for a deal for Mbappe. For Real Madrid, Neymar (LW/F) probably not going to be possible but the offer of James Rodrigues, Casemiro or Vinicius Junior plus a significant amount of cash and PSG will try and ease a Neymar transfer to Real Madrid - unlikely.}

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18 Jun 2019 23:28:30
Who is the player Barcelona have to drop interest in Ed is it greizmann. gianfranco gola

{Ed002's Note - It is unimportant.}

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19 Jun 2019 07:23:39
Great answer thanks so much Ed002. Have a great day.Jurgen Meister

17 Jun 2019 12:48:51
Eds have you any information on any interest on bale, james and any otehr players madrid are looking to sell? I know bale has issues but he was such a good player in his time, i'm sure somebody would like him?

02 Jun 2019 16:23:26
Hi ed002
Hope you are well. How do you see things working out for bale?
Its been a rather ugly of words between himself and zidane.
Obviously his wage demands are very high .
Where do you think he will go to if anywhere?
Either on loan or permenant.

{Ed002's Note - Gareth Bale (W) is available to be sold or used in a part exchange deal but nobody is interested at this time given the asking price - seen as one of the main reasons that the rebuild will take longer than planned as he wants to stay - one other possibility would be a loan.}

30 May 2019 17:26:14
Ed002, Mundo Deportivo running a story about Malcom being sold and being replaced by an academy product like Carles Perez while AS running a story about Real Madrid's interest in Pablo Sarabia.

How are you this good about the transfer market? You're light years ahead of every media outlet.

29 May 2019 15:28:13
Question for Ed002 if possible, You previously mentioned clubs changing managers this summer, but said Barcelona may wait a year to get the person they want. Could I ask who that person is, or at least if they currently manage in England. Thanks for all your great info.

29 May 2019 15:28:13
Question for Ed002 if possible, You previously mentioned clubs changing managers this summer, but said Barcelona may wait a year to get the person they want. Could I ask who that person is, or at least if they currently manage in England. Thanks for all your great info.

29 May 2019 19:26:41
He is available. So I guess they sticking with valverde? Lakerville

{Ed002's Note - Sorry?}

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30 May 2019 07:32:47
Quique setien, has been fired so he's available right? Lakerville

{Ed002's Note - It still depends on agreement being reached between Setien and Real Betis regarding the finances for the final year of his contract. If that can be done then he will be available to move to another club looking for a coach, else he has to sit out his yrat whilst being paid by Real Betis. Regardless Real Betis will want to negotiate a lower figure than is due to him if he had of stayed.}

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31 May 2019 23:20:22
Ah sort of like garden leave for the rich?

Thanks for your answer as always.

I know you won't reveal yourself, but damn I'm impressed with the amount of information you are privy to. there's a couple of best sellers if you are bothered to sit down and write the behind the scenes in the biggest sports industry. I know I would buy it. Lakerville

{Ed002's Note - It is sort of like that - it was similar with Conte and Chelsea. That issue needed to be resolved one way or another.}

{Ed002's Note - Giovani Lo Celso (CM) is a Plan B to AG for Everton but in reality he could be more expensive than him after Real Betis signed him and are looking to treble their money (in reality they might be able to double it) - very unlikely; Spurs have a sustained interest in the player; he is one of two players Manchester City are considering as better priced and more achievable options to previous targets; Atletico Madrid see him as an option to a player they may have lost out on.}

{Ed002's Note - Cristhian Stuani (S) is an option for Barcelona to provide cover but that will not suit the player and they could only look to him if they have a non-European, African or Carribean place available - which is unlikely. He will be offered to an English side who won't be interested and his agent will look for other options in Spain.

Celta Vigo has already held discussions about Portu and are hopeful. I am not aware of any other interest in since Newcastle made an approach last season.}